Skywatch - No 34

Magazine Overview

Title: SKYWATCH
Issue: No.34
Date: December/January 1979/1980
Publisher: MAPIT
Country: England
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Summary

This issue of SKYWATCH, an informal publication devoted to UFOlogy, features a robust collection of readers' letters, news updates, and detailed reports of UFO sightings from around the world. The editorial address is provided as 92 Hillcrest Road, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 5SE, England, with a telephone number of 061 483 4210. The publication is noted as having been established in 1973.

Readers' Letters and Contributions

The issue opens with a series of letters from readers, reflecting a vibrant community of researchers and enthusiasts. Dean Preston from UFOJA, Jersey, is preparing a newsheet on 'Unidentified Encounters' and plans to include conclusions from Project UFO Flight Path. David Reneke from UFO Research (NSW), Australia, announces the formation of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies, aiming to concentrate on 'Hard Data' cases and operate independently. Mark Moravec is commended for his paper on 'The Ethics of UFO Investigation,' with a call for an agreed code of practice, though Peter A Hill raises a point about prioritizing investigators over information gain, citing historical examples in medicine. Lional Beer, Chairman of BUFORA, London, mentions that a UFO Class at Morley College was disrupted by a BBC2 camera crew and that the classes are now fully subscribed. Lucios Farish from Arkansas, USA, inquires about an Australian film from 1911, 'Haunted Billabong,' which reportedly dealt with sheep mutilations and space visitors, and also notes a curious pattern of names in ufology beginning with 'M' and ending with 'EL' or 'ELL'.

Dr.C.H. Yeang from Penang, Malaysia, thanks the editor for issue No.33 and offers a free 16-page publication to anyone interested. Allan Parsons announces new addresses for the GEPN Group and Quest. MAPIT itself is mentioned in media articles, including 'UFO on the Mind' and 'Car Chased by UFO.' The magazine also lists required books for its reference library, such as 'Gods of Aquarius' and 'The Ghosts of Borley,' and highlights new books like 'Alien Animals' and 'The Dyfed Enigma.'

Mrs. A.W. from Romford, Essex, shares personal experiences, including seeing shadowy figures and experiencing unexplained events in her house, such as a semi-visible woman appearing and disappearing. She also recounts an incident where her son felt bumped into by someone unseen. She describes seeing a white light that moved erratically, a silvery pulsating light, and a bright red light. She also details a sighting of a triangular-shaped streak of movement with two orange lights that appeared to hover.

John Rimmer, Editor of MUFOB/MAGONIA, expresses his enjoyment of SKYWATCH and notes that his publication will now have an office. He highlights the importance of hypnotic regression and psychological investigations, warning of potential trauma for percipients if irresponsible elements in ufology are not careful. He welcomes SKYWATCH's contribution to the debate on these issues.

Newsdesk and New Publications

The 'MAPIT-NEWSDESK' section provides a roundup of news from the ufology community. Picwwinard Magazine has ceased publication. Ufologist David Gittens of NAPRA and ex-UNO has died. Rumors suggest John Keel might be giving up Urology. A new book, 'Encounters with the Past' by Peter Moss, is mentioned, which includes hypnotic regressions and costs $7.95p. The Reddish Close Encounter of the Third Kind case is featured in Flying Saucer Review and UFO Insight. BUFORA's 1980 Provisional Kensington Library Lecture programme is detailed, with topics including Extra-Terrestrial Life and Teaching UFOlogy. Ted Horton informs that UFOSIS magazine is now called 'Vision,' with Eric Westley as the new editor. The Metemperical UFO Bulletin (MUFOB) will be renamed 'MAGONIA.' A new illustrated book, 'Mysteries of the World,' edited by Christopher Pick, includes contributions on UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, and Religious Stigmata. Rocky Wood of ECRA, New Zealand, has been globe-trotting, attending conferences and giving lectures. UAPROL of Leicester has undergone changes, with Trevor Thornton departing, and a new contact address is provided.

Cosmology Newlink will cease publication in the UK after November 1979. A new magazine, 'Second Look,' is to be published in Washington, DC, featuring prominent writers. UFO International in Bristol announces the dismissal of Terry Hooper. MAPIT's media mentions include articles in 'Today' and the Lancashire Evening Post. A 'Statement of Intent' was sent to SKYWATCH readers, and copies are available upon request. The magazine also lists books required for its reference library and highlights new books on alien animals and the Dyfed enigma.

Reviews

'Messengers of Deception' by Jacques Vallee is reviewed. The reviewer finds it to be a significant work that represents a shift in ufology, suggesting that contactee reports deserve more attention. Vallee's theory of manipulation by entities, possibly government agents, is discussed, along with the idea that some friends of UFO researchers might be working for these manipulators. The book also touches upon cattle mutilations. The review concludes that the book is an excellent source of contemporary thought on UFOs.

'SWAMP GAS Journal' and 'GNOME NEWS' are also mentioned. GNOME NEWS is described as delightful and fascinating, covering topics like Gnomes and Politics. 'THE JOURNAL OF TRANSIENT AERIAL PHENOMENA' is introduced as a new journal that will avoid sensational 'scoop' reports and focus on providing advice and guidelines to researchers, featuring longer articles and in-depth case studies.

Overseas Sightings

Several overseas sightings are detailed:

• Greece, Thessaloniki (August 24, 1979): Witnesses observed two large lights that changed to five small red lights, then disappeared and reappeared.
• Tasmania (March 30, 1979): Two witnesses saw an intense yellowish light approaching from the south, which lit up the island and then receded.
• Australia (March 4, 1979): Ten people observed a bright orange light hovering over the sea, which then maneuvered and disappeared.
• Colombia (May 10, 1979): A fleet of UFOs alarmed residents, caused a local blackout, and examined a Satellite Tracking Station.
• England, Walkden, Greater Manchester (June 26, 1979): A silver, saucer-shaped object was observed travelling noiselessly across the sky.

London International Congress

Jenny Randles provides a personal view of the first 'International UFO Congress' held in London. She describes an atmosphere of expectancy and notes the difference between 'congresses' and 'conferences.' The event attracted around 500 people. Randles found the lectures varied in quality, with the first lecture being particularly poor due to technical issues. She highlights papers by Eduardo Russo and Dr. Roberto Pinotti on the 1978 Italian wave, and Dr. Hynek's paper on a new two-level classification system for UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SKYWATCH include the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the ethical considerations surrounding such investigations, the sharing of personal experiences and sightings, and the dissemination of news within the ufology community. The magazine appears to foster an open platform for contributors, stating that "Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily shared by the Team or Editor." There is a clear emphasis on providing detailed reports and encouraging discussion among researchers and the public.

This issue of SKYWATCH magazine, dated August 1979, is primarily dedicated to coverage of the First London International UFO Congress held in 1979. The magazine features several articles and comments reflecting on the congress, its objectives, and the participants.

The London Congress and the Working Party on Standards

The core of the issue revolves around the "First London International UFO Congress - 1979" and the "Report on Working Party on Standards in UFO Research" by Peter A. Hill, Chairman of the Working Party. The congress aimed to foster greater uniformity in UFO research, addressing the issue of varied terminology and classifications used by different researchers and organizations. The need for a common data base and compatible software for potential computer transfer of data and international statistical analysis was emphasized.

The congress was well-attended, with approximately 400 persons from 21 countries. However, the detailed discussions required for setting standards were conducted in a smaller Working Party. This party included individuals from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Jugoslavia, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, UK, and USA. Notable participants included Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who suggested his classification was unsuited for research and agreed to its modification, and Dr. Esterle, who proposed a matrix-based classification.

Key Outcomes of the Working Party:

• Terminology and Definitions: The definition of 'UFO Report' was agreed upon, based on the Hynek definition, with the word 'object' deleted to avoid implying a measurable artifact. The term 'UFO' itself was discussed, and while considered inappropriate, it was agreed not to change it for the sake of perfectionism, defining it instead as 'The stimulus giving rise to the UFO report'.
• Classifications: It was agreed that no available classification was suitable for research and that a new classification should be developed based on criteria such as being a research tool, capable of growth, and flexible. A matrix approach was suggested.
• Data Processing: An international standard data base was discussed, with requirements for case headers including reference code, date, time, and location. Data compatibility for international statistical analyses was deemed essential. BUFORA had developed a minimum data requirement that could serve as a basis for future discussions, and a promise of data exchange between countries was made.
• Provisional International Committee: A Provisional International Committee was established to continue international cooperation, with nations nominated to undertake preparatory work. The committee was to include representatives from France, Italy, Scandinavia, Spain, UK, and USA. A meeting was planned for Spring 1980 in London.

Personal Reflections and Comments

Several individuals shared their personal experiences and opinions on the congress:

• Peter A. Hill reflected on the congress, noting the wide spectrum of topics covered and the value of constructive criticism for future planning. He also discussed the need for greater uniformity in UFO research and the establishment of a common classification system.
• Jenny Randles provided a personal view, which was commented upon by Lionel Beer. Randles's comments on the Working Party were deemed misleading by Beer, who clarified that the sessions were announced and open to interested individuals.
• Lionel Beer, Chairman of BUFORA, commented on Jenny Randles's article, clarifying the openness of the Working Party sessions and the circulation of information.
• John Rimmer offered a "Congress Comment," describing the BUFORA Conference as well-organized but perhaps too structured, leaving little time for socializing. He noted the difficulty in organizing lectures and the challenge of catering to diverse attendee expectations.
• Perry Petrakis shared his experience, finding the congress stimulating but noting that the public attendance limited the depth of discussion. He also commented on BUFORA appearing to be a commercial group and found the international networking to be the most valuable aspect of his trip.

Other Content

• Comment on Last Article: Lionel Beer responded to Jenny Randles's article, defending the transparency of the Working Party sessions.
• BUFORA 1979 International Congress: A personal account from someone who worked at the reception desk, highlighting the positive atmosphere and the opportunity for interaction between researchers and the public.
• Cassettes for Sale: A list of audio recordings related to UFO topics, including interviews with contactees and accounts of encounters.
• Skywatch UFO Detectors: An advertisement for a new pocket-sized UFO detector that senses electromagnetic effects.
• Advertisements: Several advertisements for other magazines and books related to occultism, prophecy, spiritual evolution, and UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the importance of international cooperation in UFO research, the need for standardized terminology and classification systems, and the challenges of organizing large-scale UFO conferences. The editorial stance appears to be in favor of objective, scientific research and the establishment of a unified approach to UFO studies. The magazine actively promotes the work of BUFORA and its initiatives, while also providing a platform for diverse opinions and personal accounts from the UFO community.

This document is page 21 of the magazine MAPIT/SKYWATCH, dated November 1977. It functions as a promotional and informational insert, offering readers the opportunity to order copies of the magazine and subscribe to its services. The content includes various quotes, a poem, and a brief mention of a musical release.

Ordering Information

The magazine is available for purchase at a price of $2.95 per copy, with an additional 50¢ for postage. Orders can be placed with Gene Deplantier at 17 Shetland St., Willowdale, Ontario, Canada M2M 1X5. The total cost for a copy within Canada is $3.45.

THE ENDBITS

This section compiles various short pieces of information and quotes.

Historical Quote

A quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson, former President of the USA, is presented in response to sightings of meteors. He is reported to have said, "It is easier to believe that a Yankee Professor would lie than that a stone would fall from the sky," drawing a parallel between past meteor sightings and contemporary UFO observations.

• Source: Chrysis Vol.2 No.3 1979.

QUOTES

A collection of aphorisms and witty remarks:

• "Man was always man, dog was always dog, a cat was always a cat, and a frog never became a prince." - Dr.Richard Bliss.
• "Genius does what it has to: Talent does what it can do." - Dorothy Booth.
• "The true insomniac is one who knows he's awake even when he's asleep." - Mabel Wagthorpe.
• "Don't bother telling people your problems because half don't care to hear them, and the other half are glad you have them" - Gordon Irving.

NESSIE'S NIGHT

A poem by Jane Hibbert:

Nessie comes out every night
Only when the moon is bright,
She looks to make sure nobody's there,
Then darts about all the night long
Once she knows that nothing's wrong.
But just as it strikes 12 o'clock
Mysterious Nessie sinks back in the Loch.
The next morning people wondered what they heard,
They could have come out but nobody dared.
The trace of Nessie has completely gone,
So the Loch Ness Mystery lingers on.

• Source: Nessletter November No.24 1977.

MORE QUOTES

Additional quotes:

• "An optimist shuts his eyes and doesn't see the dark: A pessimist opens his and doesn't see the light" - Carruthers.
• "How can we have any new ideas or fresh outlooks when 90 per cent of all the scientists who have ever lived have still not died" - Alan L Mackay, 1969.

Musical Mention

A new record by Sarah Brightman on Ariola Records, titled "Love in a UFO", is mentioned. The lyrics are partially quoted: "Oh, what a trip, it was so cosmically orgasmic, I'd no idea this android was made from plastic". The author expresses doubt about the record's success.

MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION

Information on joining MAPIT/SKYWATCH is provided:

• Membership and subscription costs £2.30p for 6 issues.
• Single issues are priced at 30p.
• Overseas rates are available upon request.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to cover topics related to UFOs and unexplained phenomena, as indicated by the title MAPIT/SKYWATCH and the mention of "Love in a UFO". The inclusion of historical quotes and a poem about the Loch Ness Monster suggests an interest in mysteries and anecdotal evidence. The editorial stance seems to be one of informing the public about these subjects, encouraging engagement through subscriptions and ordering copies. The tone is generally light-hearted, with a mix of serious historical references and more whimsical content like the Nessie poem and the Sarah Brightman song mention.